Bodhi Tree

Bodhi Tree

Situated to the west at the rear of Mahabodhi Temple, the present Bodhi tree at Bodhgaya is a distant offshoot of the original Bodhi Tree. It is believed to be the fifth succession of the original tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment. The actual tree was destroyed by King Ashoka before he converted to Buddhism and non violence. Pilgrims tie red colored threads to its branches and decorate the tree with prayer flags. Under the tree, a sandstone slab is kept which is taken to be the 'Vajrasana' or the 'thunder-seat' on which Lord Buddha sat facing the temple.